In The Spotlight

Ian Guerin – “A Different Affair”

Born in Mexico, but now based in Los Angeles, this award-winning singer, songwriter and producer recorded his first song when he was 9. He made his first professional impression on the music scene in 2010, with the release of his debut single “Bubblegum”. Influenced by legends such as Michael Jackson, James Brown and Van Morrison, his sound is R&B/Soul, laced with jazz and blues touches.

The second taster of his forthcoming sophomore album is driven by a retro-disco beat and 70s-style violins. With plucky guitars, vibrant hand-claps and an infectious hook teasing the senses, his luscious, soul-dripping R&B vocals add a more contemporary layer to the vintage vibe of the instrumentation. It’s an exhilarating, polished and zesty disco/soul tune, which sounds ear-poppingly refreshing.

From his upcoming album “Irreplaceable”, to be released late Summer 2018:

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In The Spotlight

Mo Brandis – “Think”

This London-based singer/songwriter traveled the world with his charity and music loving parents, soaking up influences from Swaziland to Germany. He’s spent most of his career writing award-winning songs for others and touring extensively as the front man of soul/funk outfit Incognito. He released his debut solo single “Undercover” in 2017, introducing his sound of soul, electro-funk and pop.

The smooth electro-funk beat of his new single is enticing and inviting, before bursting out in a lively contemporary chorus full of electrifying R&B-inspired bounce. The ingenious blend of rousing retro-funk and state-of-the-art electro feels powerful, uplifting and intoxicating. With his alluring, soul-tinged vocals coalescing with the mighty melody, it’s a funky feast of rejuvenating summery vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Whitney Fenimore – “Stones”

This American singer/songwriter grew up in Tulsa, singing in church and playing in Christian bands. Committing herself fully to a music career, she started focussing on mainstream music. After a rough period in her life of depression and anxiety, she entered The Voice US in 2017. With a blend of country, rock, pop and folk, she’s just released her EP “Battle Within”, inspired by her life’s trials.

The exhilarating, boot-stompin’ rhythm of her latest single delivers a mighty message of empowerment. The eclectic mix of the compelling, enveloping beat, gentle piano, slick tambourine and a sliver of violins creates an anthemic instrumentation for her ardent, efficacious vocals with a contrasting, emotive quality to truly make this vivacious, heart-pounding powerhouse come to life.

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In The Spotlight

Dandelion – “A Real Road Song”

Volendam, in The Netherlands, has been a hotspot for spawning new Dutch musical talent for many decades and it’s the home town of this flowery quartet. Inspired by the 70s-style Americana of Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Band, they blend vintage Westcoast splendor with modern, intricate songwriting. In 2014 they debuted their one-of-a-kind country-funk sound on the EP “The All Year Round”.

Head out on the highway, cruisin’ down Route 66 in a classic convertible, with the wind in your hair and their new single serving as your roadtrip soundtrack. The cheerful, twangy country guitar hooks and retro-drums frame the smooth, yet buoyant vocals and lustrous harmonies, before energetic organ and a touch of brass add a summery joie de vivre to this classic-in-the-making.

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In The Spotlight

Barei – “You Number One”

This Spanish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist was born as Bárbara Reyzábal González-Aller in Madrid. She released her debut album “Billete Para No Volver” in 2011 but, influenced by British and American pop, switched to singing in English on her second album “Throw The Dice”. She went on to open for Lenny Kravitz and representing Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016.

The title-track of her recently released third album is a cheerful and uplifting single radiating confidence and self-belief. It’s contemporary pop with a Mediterranean edge, supplied by airy, playful guitar plucks and cheeky finger snaps. A modern rhythm accompanies her unique talk-sing style vocals and the choral harmonies, making it a catchy and encouraging song with summer-hit potential.

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In The Spotlight

Barbudo – “Secret Admirer”

Hailing from Portsmouth, this British funk trio, consisting of brothers Ben and Harry Stanworth and Elliot Salter, created an unique amalgamation of old-school funk, rock and R&B. Inspired by the sounds of the 70s and legends such as Steely Dan and The Isley Brothers, they blend that vintage charm with contemporary tones, leading to the release of their invigorating debut EP “Pleasures” in 2017.

Sounding like the musical love child of Michael Jackson and Santana, they soaked the 70s-inspired funky melody of their new single in summery Latin vibes. With lively basslines, sun-kissed guitars and hot percussion laying down the summertime groove, a smokin’ electric guitar solo and the shimmering vocals tie all the elements together into a retro-dipped jam of pure sonic sunshine.

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